Every moment you empowered will never be missed. RIP.
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I do not have the words to express how sorry I am. Heidi, Renee, Mark, Aunt Sue, Tammy, Bonnie, & Kim, my heart goes out to you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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My heart is broken. Although I am an adopted cousin and didn’t get to see Wes very many times; he has always left an impression of kindness, even from the very moment we met as kids and I probably could only speak 5 words of English. Praying for all whose lives were impacted by him. Heidi, Mark, Renee, and all the extended families - May you tangibly feel God’s presence as you mourn your loss. God’s love and peace to you.
With Love,
Lauren
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Wes was such a patient, humble, and wise mentor. I still remember the advice he shared, and how he would always encourage you to aim for the stars. My sincere condolences to the family. He will be dearly missed.
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It is unfortunate to see that good visionary leaders are leaving the planet Earth. I never imagined that Wes was suffering from this kind of severe disease, even though he never forgot to check on his followers and see how they were doing in the field.
His dream was to break the cycle of poverty innovatively and strategically, which he achieved globally. We can all see that it is happening. I believe the happiness of rural people and the transformation gave him a peaceful moment to close his eyes.
Let us honor his legacy by carrying forward his vision. May his passion for change inspire us to create a better world.
See you again Wes! ❤
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Wes was one of the finest people I have ever met!! He made this fantastic, incredible, major positive impact on the Kingdom and the world!! He led our church's Men's Group. Every Bible study was an out of the envelope, challenging lesson. There would be about 20 guys from our small church at every meeting. Although we had read that passage of scripture before, Wes would teach us how to view it the way that God meant. Yes, the light bulb would go on and the elevator finally went up to the top floor. Gasps of aha, I finally really understand that passage. Not only did he lead, he would prepare a different creative, delicious dinner for us at each meeting that would coordinate with the Bible verses he was teaching on. As I write this, I am overcome with tears, because the impact of this death has been so hard on me. When I grow up (I'm in my 60's), I want to be just like Wes, my mentor!!
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A great and generous man with so much to give. His love for people and life was enormous- always giving. You will be missed- Jesus has another apostle- Wes’s great work and love continues from above 🙏
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Wes inspired and taught me so much! I remember telling several people that every thing I sent to Wes for his input, he always made it better. Every single time. He was gifted in so many ways but also so very generous with his time and resources and humble in every way. I will miss our times together and the impact he had on me every time we interacted. May his legacy and vision for DreamStart labs continue on and make a difference in the lives of millions.
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Wes, an extraordinary leader, always pushed us to do our best while also having a good time. He was more than just a boss, he was both a mentor and friend.
He loved his family deeply. Often, he would talk highly of them. He played the roles of a loving husband and dad, and Grand dad. Beyond that, he remained dedicated to his colleagues, showcasing his warm spirit.
The news of his abrupt departure shattered me. His parting came too early. His absence will be deeply felt, and his memory cherished. His influence has been a positive one, affecting many lives.
His memory will remain etched in my heart and on my mind. I hope serenity is now with him.
Rest in solitude, Wes. You were an amazing individual, and it was an honor to know you. 😭
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Wes has been making huge impact over the past decade for the world's poor, driving innovation through DreamSave. I had the chance to glimpse his transformation over that period, not to mention his tenacity, energy and determination. When I saw great promise in DreamSave, I had the privilege of connecting Wes to my colleagues and World Vision's VisionFund, where there is now a thriving and growing partnership helping many thousands of the world's poorest.
Wes' North Star seemed to shine brighter each year over that period. May he inspire many others to find their our and to chase dreams that are worth catching.
Wes, you're gone far too soon. May Jesus' words come true for you: "Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many other seeds." That would be the kind of high-impact scaling Wes would run toward.
God's comfort to Heidi and your family--and all of us who will miss him.
With great affection,
Cory Trenda
World Vision (retired '23)
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I'm so very sorry to hear this and deeply saddened. Please let me know if you schedule anything. God bless and comfort you all.
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I was shocked when I heard the news of Wes's passing. He was a kind soul and had a good heart. I will miss his enthusiastic presence and guidance in the journey with DreamStart Labs...
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It was always evident that Wes loved people. So much so he created an app to serve the underserved. I was fortunate enough to intern with Wes during my time at Point Loma Nazarene University and traveled with him over a summer to Tanzania and Rwanda. I learned so much about Microfinance, people, and a lot about joy. Wes was so joyful and I truly believe it was because he was living out his God given purpose. I am so thankful to have had Wes as a mentor. If it weren’t for his sage wisdom and advice, I wouldn’t be working in poverty alleviation and loving every minute of it. My prayers are with his family during this time. He will be so dearly missed.
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We prayed and fasted and begged for God’s best for this incredible man of God. His life was truly lived in service to others. Thank you, Wes. See you in glory-and will continue to hear your laugh and share your love. ❤️
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Wes was one of the most brilliant and talented marketers I've worked with in my career - and beyond that an amazing and giving person. We will greatly miss Wes. Peace to Wes and the entire family.
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Great marketer and even more importantly a genuinely great person. He was always available for help, mentorship and advice. Will miss him a lot.
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My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May the Lord comfort you all in this very difficult time. ❤️🙏🏼
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